Diane von Furstenberg will receive the 2025 PAC NYC Icon of Culture at their Icons of Culture gala on Oct. 28.
The honor was revealed by Michael R. Bloomberg, chair, Perelman Performing Arts Center; Karlie Kloss, model, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Thierry Prevost, chief executive officer of Printemps Americas, at a cocktail party Thursday night at Printemps New York’s Manhattan flagship at One Wall Street.
Bloomberg spoke about his longtime friendship with von Furstenberg, highlighting her influence and impact in New York. Calling her “a towering figure in the arts and culture here in New York,” he said, “She’s one of the most influential names in fashion, an industry that is at the heart of our city’s economy. She’s been a tireless advocate for the industry and a generous philanthropist with her leadership on public projects like the High Line and the Statue of Liberty Museum. She’s deeply committed to our city and her support and investment has done a lot to help build a bright future here.”
Following Bloomberg’s remarks, Kloss spoke about her friendship with von Furstenberg. “I first met Diane when I was 15 years old in New York, and I remember being enamored with her elegance, her confidence, and her style. Throughout my career, Diane has been one of my fiercest champions and greatest teachers. I’ve learned so much from her, but especially to be unapologetically myself. She has shown us all what a purposeful life looks like, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Prevost added, “Printemps is proud to contribute to the renewal of Lower Manhattan, a neighborhood whose vitality owes much to the vision and leadership of Mike Bloomberg. We’re equally honored to host PAC at Printemps New York ahead of their October Icons of Culture Gala. This year, they have named Diane von Furstenberg — an icon of fashion and culture, and a woman whose bold spirit and lasting influence personify the values we stand for — as the 2025 PAC NYC Icon of Culture award recipient.”
Diane von Furstenberg
Mireille Roobaert, courtesy photo
For more than 50 years, von Furstenberg has had an impact on fashion and design, while also serving as a mentor and advocate for girls and women around the world. Her influence across industries will be celebrated at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala on Oct. 28 at the Perelman Performing Center in Lower Manhattan presented by BNY.
This event marks the second PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala, an annual signature event that shines a spotlight on the artistic excellence of the Perelman Performing Arts Center and honors an individual who has had a remarkable influence on culture and impact in the world. Last year, PAC NYC honored MTV cofounder Tom Freston.
Because of BNY’s commitment to culture and community, as well as support from the Bank of New York Mellon Foundation and Dalio Philanthropies, 100 percent of proceeds goes directly to the artistic and civic programs of PAC NYC.
Bloomberg also revealed that Andreas C. Dracopoulos, copresident of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, will be honored as the first PAC NYC Icon of Impact this fall at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. Bloomberg noted that Dracopoulos “has found many ways to make an impact in our city, and in communities all around the world through support for arts and culture, education and scientific research and so many other important areas.”
At the heart of PAC NYC’s mission is a commitment to create connections through the performing arts and to entertain and inspire audiences from across New York and around the world. The second annual PAC NYC Icons of Culture Festival, following the gala, will take place from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
Since opening in 2023, PAC NYC has welcomed over 200,000 visitors and produced award-winning and genre-defining artistic work. Musical theater hits such as “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” a new opera “An American Soldier,” hip-hop dance battles at Motion Matters, world premieres of new dramatic works, high-profile conversations featuring David Letterman and Kerry Washington, and dozens of free lobby stage programs are among the events.
PAC NYC is the final piece of the rebuilding of the World Trade Center after 9/11. Chaired by Bloomberg, it represents the resilience of the city and affirmation of life through music, theater, dance, opera and media.
